Roman Catholic priest Robert DeLand is arraigned Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, on one count of attempted second-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of second-degree sexual conduct and one count of gross indecency between male persons via video from the Saginaw County Jail in the courtroom of Saginaw County District Judge M. Randall Jurrens in Saginaw, Mich.(Photo: Jacob Hamilton, The Saginaw News)

SAGINAW, Mich. — The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw's bishop is encouraging sexual abuse victims to come forward after a priest who served for decades in Michigan was charged with sex crimes.

Bishop Joseph Cistone recently spoke to parishioners at St. Agnes Church in Freeland, where 71-year-old Rev. Robert DeLand served as pastor. Cistone told parishioners the allegations against DeLand were "the first indication we had of this issue."

DeLand was charged last month following allegations from two male accusers, ages 17 and 21, and police say they've received other complaints since his arrest. Charges include second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The Saginaw News reports Saginaw County Prosecutor John McColgan Jr. announced Thursday that a new law enforcement taskforce will investigate abuse allegations.

DeLand's lawyer has said the priest has dedicated his life to service.